Game Change

An Illusion Review by Joan Ellis

"Game Change" is a good movie about a controversial subject. When the
Republicans found themselves behind in the 2008 presidential campaign, Steve
Schmidt (Woody Harrelson) convinced John McCain (Ed Harris) and his staff that
only a stunning surprise for the vice presidential nomination could save the
election. After pulling Sarah Palin's (Julianne Moore) biographical facts off
the internet, Schmidt flew to Alaska to interview her. He tried to prepare Palin
for the change that would engulf her the minute her nomination was announced. He
would later admit with regret that he had asked few questions about policy
though he did establish that she was pro-life with no exceptions for rape or
incest.
Is the movie
a Palin hatchet job? By no means. The Republicans were in trouble before she was
chosen. She wows the convention when she accepts the nomination. The public is
fascinated; the crowds grow; the polls rise; Men love her. The filmmakers have
made it clear that she is both tough and courageous in unfamiliar waters.
Surrounded by her entire family, she steps from a small Alaska town onto the
national stage with little notice. Her love for her children is clear. A son in
Iraq, a special needs newborn, a 7 year-old, a 14 year-old, a respectful
husband, and a pregnant 17 year-old with boyfriend - "Thank you, Levi, for
cutting your mullet."
Although we
may understand the pressures playing on her, nothing can save Sarah Palin from
her own ignorance. This is a smart woman who has neither a grasp of nor an
interest in the national or global picture. She simply has no frame of reference
into which she can fit the "gottcha" questions that McCain's staff fires at her
in preparation for the upcoming debate with Joe Biden. Unable to absorb relevant
policy information, Palin memorizes 25 questions and answers.
After the
fatal Katie Couric interview, Palin's bravery morphs into arrogance. She tells
Schmidt she is carrying the campaign single-handedly - "They're coming to see
me!" She is absolutely right. She has become a celebrity. There are meltdowns,
rages, and irrational outbursts, though at this point we in the audience are far
madder at Schmidt for picking her than at Palin who had no inkling of what would
follow exposure of her woefully inadequate knowledge bank. Furious, Nicolle
Wallace (Sarah Paulson), head of the prep team, finally lashes out at Schmidt,
"You didn't grill her because you wanted it to work!"
The acting?
Julianne Moore captures Palin's expressions, attitudes, and physical being with
uncanny accuracy. Woody Harrelson is terrific as the beleaguered Steve Schmidt,
and Ed Harris is particularly effective in conveying McCain's essential decency
and grace in his loss.
Sarah Palin is a smart, tough competitor who can use her natural talents to rise
to the top of any field - except one. There is no room in the line of succession
to the presidency for a candidate who has not one iota of interest in world
affairs.